10D7N Hokkaido Winter Festival & Icebreaker + 1N Tokyo

HIGHLIGHTS

Winter Scenery:

Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan, Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival, Jewelry Ice, Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, Sapporo Snow Festival

Special Arrangement:

SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train

Unique Experience:

Drift Ice Walk, Drift Ice Cruise, Tokachi Night River Cruise, Smelt Fishing Experience, Crab Corse Dinner

Sightseeing & Shopping Experiences:

Kushiro Marsh Observatory, Tsurumidai Plain, Washo Fish Market, Ryugetsu Sweetpia Garden

Hotel / Ryokan Stays:

03 nights of authentic Japanese Onsen experience in Lake Kussharo, Shiretoko & Asahikawa. 05 nights of centrally located hotels in Otaru, Sapporo & Tokyo.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Assemble at Changi Airport for Check in

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Day 2 Kushiro

Hotel: Kushiro Prince Hotel or similar / Western room

Meal: Meal on Board / - / D

Upon arrival at Kushiro Airport, we'll meet our driver and start with a visit to the Kushiro Marsh Observatory, a scenic spot offering views of the tranquil wetlands and diverse wildlife of Kushiro Marsh. Next, we'll proceed to Tsurumidai Plain, known for its expansive views and opportunities to observe Japanese cranes (tancho) during winter. Finally, we'll transfer to the hotel for check-in. Tonight, dinner [Seafood BBQ Set] will be at a local restaurant within walking distance from the hotel.

Day 3 Kushiro – Shibecha – Shiretoko

Hotel: Kiki Shiretoko Natural Resort or similar / R.O.H.

Meal: B / L / D

After breakfast, we will check out and start the day by visiting the Washo Fish Market. The Washo Fish Market is a bustling hub where you can experience Hokkaido's vibrant seafood culture. Here, you'll find a wide variety of fresh seafood, including local specialties like crab, salmon, and scallops. Following this, we'll transfer to Kushiro Station to board the SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train. This scenic train journey from Kushiro to Shibecha offers stunning views of Hokkaido's winter landscapes. The train, known for its nostalgic steam locomotive (SL), travels through snowy marshlands and picturesque countryside, providing a unique and memorable travel experience. After lunch [Local Brand Beef Set], we'll embark on a 2-hour drive to Shiretoko, where we'll check in at the hotel. Dinner will be served at the hotel restaurant, featuring a buffet.

Day 4 Shiretoko – Abashiri – Sounkyo

Hotel: Hotel Taisetsu or similar / Japanese room

Meal: B / L / D

Thsi morning, you will transfer to Shiretoko and experience the thrilling Drift Ice Walk (流氷体験). Drifting across the Sea of Okhotsk from northeastern Russia. Take a walk on the drift ice to observe the animals living on and beneath the ice or if you are feeling adventurous, go for a swim in the sea. followed by a delightful lunch [Seafood Hotpot]. Then, embark on the Drift Ice Cruise, sail through the Sea of Okhotsk, surrounded by massive ice floes. From the warmth of the boat, you can observe the breathtaking ice formations and possibly spot seals and other wildlife that inhabit the area. End the day by attending the enchanting Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival ✿. The Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival is a winter event held in the Sounkyo Gorge, featuring magnificent ice sculptures, illuminated ice tunnels, and ice slides. Visitors can enjoy the magical atmosphere, with colorful lights creating a spectacular visual display against the backdrop of the frozen waterfalls. Finally, transfer to the hotel and enjoy your dinner [Buffet] at the hotel restaurant.

Day 5 Sounkyo – Obihiro

Hotel: Hotel Nikko Northland Obihiro or similar / Japanese room

Meal: B / - / D

After breakfast, start the day by visiting Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan ✿, a magical winter village built entirely of ice and snow, situated on the frozen surface of Lake Shikaribetsu. Visitors can explore ice huts, relax in an open-air hot spring bath, and enjoy a variety of winter activities in this unique and enchanting setting. After lunch [Pork Rice Bowl] at a local restaurant, visit Ryugetsu Sweetpia Garden, a delightful destination for those with a sweet tooth. This confectionery factory and museum offers tours where you can watch the production of famous Japanese sweets, sample freshly made treats, and shop for delicious souvenirs to take home. Next, take a Tokachi Night River Cruise, offers a serene and picturesque experience as you glide along the river under the starry sky. This nighttime cruise allows you to enjoy the tranquility of the river, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and the gentle sounds of the water. Finally, transfer to Obihiro where we'll check in at the hotel. Dinner [Japanese Set] will be served at the hotel restaurant.

Day 6 Obihiro – Sapporo

Hotel: Sapporo Stream Hotel or similar / Western room

Meal: B / L / D

This morning, let's experience the stunning Jewelry Ice at Toyokoro, where ice floes from the Tokachi River are shaped and polished by the sea, creating beautiful, translucent pieces of ice that resemble gemstones. After enjoying a Sukiyaki set menu with Tokachi brand beef at a local restaurant for lunch, we will transfer to Sapporo City and check in to our hotel. Tonight, indulge in a Crab Course Dinner at Sapporo Kaniya, featuring various dishes prepared with fresh, locally-sourced crab. After dinner, take a short walk back to the hotel.

Day 7 Sapporo

Hotel: Sapporo Stream Hotel or similar / Western room

Meal: B / - / -

After breakfast at the hotel, we will head out for a Smelt Fishing Experience. Try your hand at catching smelt fish through holes drilled in the ice. This traditional winter activity is both fun and rewarding, and you can enjoy the serene beauty of the frozen lake. This afternoon, let's head to the Sapporo Beer Garden for a delightful Yakiniku lunch. Thereafter, visit the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival ✿. Marvel at the intricate ice sculptures and structures created by local artists. The festival also features ice slides, mazes, and other attractions that add to the enchanting winter atmosphere.As the sun sets, watch the festival light up from 4:30 pm, creating a magical and colorful display against the icy backdrop. Tonight, Enjoy a sumptuous buffet dinner at Buffet Restaurant DEN. The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, including local and international cuisine, ensuring there is something to satisfy every palate.

Day 8 Sapporo – Tokyo

Hotel: Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba or similar / Western room

Meal: B / - / -

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After breakfast, free & easy at your own leisure until departure. Enjoy the Sapporo Snow Festival ✿. The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan's most famous winter events, held annually in early February in Sapporo, Hokkaido. This spectacular festival features stunning snow and ice sculptures created by artists from around the world.

* This famous Sapporo Snow Festival is held from 04-11 February 2025

Bid farewell to Sapporo as we proceed to the airport and take the flight to Tokyo. After arrival, transfer to the hotel and the rest of the day is free and easy.

Day 9 Tokyo – Singapore

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Meal: B / - / -

After breakfast, free & easy at your own leisure until departure.

Bid farewell to Tokyo as we proceed to the airport and take the flight back to Singapore. We hope that you have enjoyed this vacation with JTB and we look forward to bringing you to your next holiday destination.

Day 10 Singapore

Arrive Singapore